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It's Never Too Soon To Start Watching Your Cholesterol

We often think we don’t have to worry about certain health concerns until later in life. Usually we don't worry about it until someone close to us has a health issue. Sometimes the thought doesn't cross our mind until we experience something a little unexpected or out of the ordinary with our health. Most of the problems encountered later in life are the results of habits formed during youth. In many cases we don't realize what we are setting ourselves up for as adults. If you start keeping your cholesterol levels in check now you can reduce the chances of developing heart disease or stroke later in life. Read further to learn about what cholesterol is and how too much of the wrong type can adversely affect your body.

Cholesterol is a lipid (fat) that makes up the membranes of all cells within the body. Cholesterol comes from two sources: the food we eat and that which is produced in the liver. We can’t control the amount of cholesterol produced by our body. We can, however, control what we consume. Meats, fish, and dairy products contain cholesterol naturally. Processed foods also contain cholesterol. The food labels will tell you how much cholesterol is contained in a serving. This is a great starting point for determining how much cholesterol you consume.

When cholesterol is released from food, it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Here, it becomes a substance called “chylomicron” where it acquires a protein coating. The liver absorbs these chylomicrons from the blood. The liver also has the capability of producing cholesterol and secreting it back into the bloodstream between meals. Cholesterol alone is not dangerous. However, once there is too much cholesterol circulating throughout the body it becomes not only a problem but in some cases dangerous.

Because the liver produces cholesterol, not much more cholesterol is needed nor tolerated from outside sources. Eating lean meats and low-fat or skim milk and cheeses reduces the amount of cholesterol that enters the body through food. Foods full of saturated fats increase the levels of cholesterol that you take in and that are found in the blood. Conversely, foods that contain mostly unsaturated fats leave less cholesterol in the body. Eating all of those fast food hamburgers, fries, and milkshakes is a surefire way to increase the cholesterol level in the blood. Sure they taste good and are convenient, but do you really want to set yourself up for problems down the road?

There are two main types of cholesterol to be concerned about: high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Which is better? What is the difference between the two? High levels of LDL in the blood are considered “bad”. These lipoproteins leave cholesterol deposits on arterial walls. The cholesterol hardens into a waxy substance called plaque. Over time, the plaques narrow the lumen (opening) of the affected vessel leaving blood less space to flow freely. Those cholesterol plaques could break free from the walls of the arteries and lodge in a smaller vessel causing a stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism.

High levels of HDL in the blood are considered “good”. HDL is sometimes referred to as "good cholesterol". How can cholesterol be good? These lipoproteins remove cholesterol from arterial walls before they can form life-threatening plaques. This cholesterol is returned to the liver. The arteries are kept free from anything that would hinder blood flow to the organs of the body.

The next time you have your annual physical ask to have your blood drawn for a cholesterol panel. A fasting cholesterol check is more accurate so ask your practioner what the rules are for fasting prior to your physical. Keeping your cholesterol in check and knowing where you stand is important. Now that you know the basics of cholesterol, find out where you stand and what you need to do to improve your cholesterol numbers. It can add years to your life and prevent the onset of many health conditions. Monitoring your cholesterol will set the stage for a healthier life. It will also promote good eating habits in your family.